The short answer

Quick Answer

Philadelphus (Mock Orange) thrives in full sun or full shade on most soils (pH 6-7.5), well-drained soil. Reaches 1.5 to 3m tall and wide depending on variety. Hardy to around -25°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: After flowering in late June or July

How: Cut flowered stems back to a strong side shoot. Remove one in three of the oldest stems at the base

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: Southern Europe, Asia and North America depending on species

Native or exotic: Mostly exotic. P. coronarius is from southern Europe

History: Cultivated in UK gardens since the 1500s. The popular variety Belle Etoile was raised in France in the early 1900s

Folklore: In Victorian gardens, philadelphus was often planted near bedroom windows for the evening scent to drift in on warm nights

Fun fact: The common name mock orange comes from the scent, which resembles orange blossom. The flowers are not related to citrus in any way

Historical medicinal uses: None significant. The leaves contain a mild sedative compound but not used in modern herbal medicine

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Good for bees and hoverflies in June [4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 7 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [4][5]

Biodiversity value: 6 out of 10 Medium. Nectar for bees, shelter for nesting[4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 7 out of 10 White flowers with strong orange blossom scent in June and July[4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Combine with weigela and deutzia for a sequence of June flowering shrubs

Pest control: Generally trouble free

Common diseases and issues: Leaf spot, powdery mildew. See RHS powdery mildew advice

Invasive note: Not invasive

CGM care note

A philadelphus that has stopped flowering has usually been pruned at the wrong time, in winter, which removes the flowering wood. We prune only in late June immediately after flowering, taking out the oldest stems to the base, and the plant flowers well the following year.

CGM guides mentioning Philadelphus (Mock Orange)

These articles from our Gardening Knowledge library mention Philadelphus (Mock Orange) and may be useful if you are researching or growing this plant.

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Philadelphus (Mock Orange)

How Philadelphus (Mock Orange) fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

  • Roses, flowering shrubs, similar pruning group
  • Hydrangea, flowering shrubs, similar pruning group
  • Peony, flowering shrubs, similar pruning group
  • Weigela, flowering shrubs, similar pruning group
  • Deutzia, flowering shrubs, similar pruning group
  • Forsythia, flowering shrubs, similar pruning group

Similar alternatives

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Philadelphus (Mock Orange).

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Philadelphus (Mock Orange) are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Philadelphus (Mock Orange) (Philadelphus species and hybrids). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Philadelphus (Mock Orange). The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Philadelphus species and hybrids. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Hydrangeaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    De Smet Y, Granados Mendoza C, Wanke S, et al. (2015). Molecular phylogenetics of Hydrangeaceae. Taxon, 64(5), 919-930.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Hydrangeaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: origin, taxonomy, soil_type, pruning.

  4. 4
    Garbuzov M, Ratnieks FLW (2014). Quantifying variation among garden plants in attractiveness to bees and other flower-visiting insects. Functional Ecology, 28(2), 364-374.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 7/10 for Philadelphus (Mock Orange). The pollinator description above ("Good for bees and hoverflies in June") aligns with this study's finding that moderate-ranked plants attract a steady but not exceptional number of flower-visiting insects. The Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Nectar for bees, shelter for nesting") reflects the plant's supplementary role in providing nectar during its flowering window (Seasonal highlight: "White flowers with strong orange blossom scent in June and July"). Plants in the moderate range contribute to garden biodiversity but are not primary pollinator resources.

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 7/10 and the Pollinators description ("Good for bees and hoverflies in June"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Philadelphus (Mock Orange)'s ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Nectar for bees, shelter for nesting") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Philadelphus (Mock Orange). The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Philadelphus (Mock Orange)'s rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Hydrangeaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Philadelphus (Mock Orange). The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Philadelphus (Mock Orange). This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Philadelphus (Mock Orange). The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Philadelphus (Mock Orange). The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Philadelphus (Mock Orange). The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Philadelphus (Mock Orange). This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Philadelphus (Mock Orange). Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Philadelphus (Mock Orange) performs well locally

Towns where Philadelphus (Mock Orange) is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

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